Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has been a staple in my skincare routine for years. I’ve gone through several bottles already and recently purchased a new one (since it was on sale!). Initially, I was hesitant about adding a chemical exfoliant to my routine but after having used it for a few weeks, I noticed that my skin looks smoother and more even toned in general.
As I have combination skin, I’ve always struggled with large pores in my t-zone area, but adding this BHA into my routine has made a significant difference.
What is BHA, and what does it do?
BHA stands for “beta hydroxy acid,” a type of chemical exfoliant in skincare products that penetrates the pores to dissolve the oil and dead skin cells that can lead to acne and other skin issues. It’s especially useful for those with oily or acne prone skin and with continued use, helps improve overall skin texture and tone.
How often should one use BHAs?
A good starting point for using BHAs is to apply once or twice a week, after patch testing, of course, and adjust the frequency based on your skin’s tolerance. Then increase the frequency to every other day or daily if your skin can handle it. I’m not too diligent about using BHAs; only around 3-5 times a week depending on how my skin is feeling, as sometimes I just want to blitz through my skincare routine i.e. cleanse, serum, moisturise, done.
How to use?
It’s super easy! After cleansing, gently apply the BHA liquid with fingertips or a cotton pad all over the face. Don’t rinse off afterward and wait a few minutes before applying the next step of your skincare routine. It’s gentle enough that it doesn’t cause any irritation or redness, but effective enough to keep oily pores at bay.
I can definitely notice a difference when I haven’t used it for an extended period – the pores on my nose appear more prominent and oilier.
Summary
Paula’s Choice offers the exfoliant in gel, formulated for combination skin, and in lotion, intended for dry skin. Although I have not personally tried the lotion, I have experimented with a trial size of the gel and discovered it to be less convenient than the liquid formula due to its longer drying time.
Overall, I think the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a great product, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle yet effective exfoliant that delivers visible results.
For more information, check out the official Paula’s Choice website, or if you’re in no rush, I’d recommend waiting for an offer from Cult Beauty to grab it at a better price (RRP £34 for 118ml).
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ingredients:
Aqua, Methylpropanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid, exfoliant), Polysorbate 20 (stabilizer), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (skin calming/antioxidant), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).